When those in the group who were on the verge of death were all healed one by one by General Shen's granddaughter using "magical arts," their desire to join her became even stronger.

However, they couldn't just rush up to the general and say such things rashly. They needed to come up with a plan first so that the other party could see their value and recommend them.

Shen Xingmian finally saw what the exiled prisoners looked like at the end. It was really terrible. They were all emaciated and had a lot of frostbite on their bodies.

There are hardly any children left, and not a single elderly person can be seen. Only a group of young and middle-aged people remain, but none of them look "strong".

That's just too tragic.

She could only help these people recover from their injuries first; as for their depleted bodies, she would have to slowly replenish them with food.

Her superpowers couldn't possibly make someone fat.

I'm willing but unable to do anything about it.

They left in the morning and didn't leave until evening, distributing bedding and cotton-padded clothes to those people in between, so that they could at least get through the winter.

These people are all from the capital. Their knowledge and experience are far superior to those of the native people of the North. They might be useful in the future.

Shen Xingmian wasn't in a hurry for them to repay her immediately. She would take care of them for now, knowing that there would be a time when she needed them.

*

A few days later, Steward Li and his entourage arrived. Their situation was much better than that of the prisoners. At least they had enough money, enough food, and warm clothes. The only problem was that the journey was arduous.

The reason they arrived later than the prisoners was because they had to avoid some government officials and were being more cautious.

As soon as Liu Yunxuanyue arrived, she immediately wanted to take over the kitchen work, but her aunt refused, saying that she didn't want two people with such good skills to have their talents wasted and be wronged in the kitchen.

They should be doing more important things.

The two girls were so moved by these words that they burst into tears. They were even more determined to be with Mu Zhizhi and promised that they would not neglect their martial arts training.

When Butler Li saw that everyone was well, he was almost moved to tears. He knelt down with a thud and was about to kowtow when Shen Yunting rushed over and pulled him up.

After being glared at by Shen Yunting, the people behind immediately straightened their knees, which had just bent.

They knew the young lady's temperament all too well. If they dared to go against her wishes, they were afraid they would be beaten so badly they wouldn't be able to get up again!

You'd better listen to them.

The house suddenly became very lively, and the reserved rooms are almost full. If more people come, we'll probably have to buy a yard.

However, Shen Xingmian was quite happy about this. Before, many rooms were empty, and it always felt very deserted. Now, that feeling of desertedness has disappeared without a trace.

The yard doesn't need to be swept by the owner, and when returning from outside, there's no need to knock on the door; someone will come to greet you enthusiastically.

Shen Xingmian was initially a little uncomfortable with this, secretly mocking himself in his heart as "a wild boar can't eat fine food," feeling uncomfortable all over when someone served him.

But seeing the servants' cheerful expressions, and remembering that she was originally a young lady from the General's Mansion, she couldn't possibly feel awkward in such a small situation.

She'll definitely have to face many more and bigger situations in the future, so she needs to stand up for herself!

We shouldn't exploit any worker, but we also shouldn't appear petty or be looked down upon.

She is a dignified "goddess" of the Northern Territory. The ultimate label of her life will definitely not be just "Miss" of the General's Mansion. Who knows, one day she might just decide to become an empress.

*

The days passed slowly, and the snow gradually melted, bringing the long winter to an end.

One afternoon, Shen Xingmian suddenly saw a bit of green in the open space of the courtyard, and then realized with a start that the long-awaited spring was finally coming soon.

No wonder it's been so hot lately when I go out. I thought it was just an occasional temperature rise, but it turns out spring is really coming soon!

Shen Xingmian was extremely excited. Once the road was clear, she could contact her second uncle to visit her younger brother, who was in poor health, and get him completely cured, so that her grandfather could be at ease.

If my second aunt and her family are willing to come over, they can be reunited as a family.

Once she has arranged the spring planting, she will go out to travel around and see what she can find. If she encounters anything good, she will store it in her space. If she encounters bad people, she can punish them and promote good.

Just thinking about it is enough to make one feel carefree and unrestrained.

hey-hey.

Shen Xingmian was really looking forward to it, so much so that she couldn't wait to distribute all the seeds right now.

After the snow melted, the ground was muddy for a while before it was slowly dried by the sun, and finally, horse-drawn carriages could travel on it.

Caravans gradually began to come this way. As usual, the Northerners, who had been living frugally for months, found everything new and exciting. Having held onto their silver for so long, it was time to spend it.

Unexpectedly, for some reason, the people don't seem very interested this year.

Shen Xingmian was well aware of this. After meeting the army's material needs, her grandfather ordered people to take the grains, vegetables, and fruits she grew out to sell, and the prices were not high.

Even ordinary people can grit their teeth and buy it to improve their standard of living. Those who can't afford it can earn some money through work.

For example, chopping firewood or clearing snow from the roads—anything that contributes to the development of the North can be exchanged for food through labor.

If you don't have cotton-padded clothes at home and really can't go out, you can exchange them for cotton-padded clothes first, and then go out to work to offset the cost of the clothes.

After a series of reforms, the people of the North have a much better outlook; at least they are no longer lifeless.

The funniest thing was that some of the officials were so terrified when they discovered that the current ruler of the Northern Territory was Shen Zhiheng that they almost wet themselves.

None of them went to the government office to hand over the goods; they all ran away overnight. Only the head constable, Xu Yong, took advantage of the darkness to run to the military camp and had a word with Shen Zhiheng.

Everyone then realized that this person's heart was actually with the Crown Prince, and that he had accepted this task in order to protect the young prince's safety.

No wonder Shen Xingmian didn't encounter any difficulties when he took Xiao Yanyue away from the prison cart; it must have been his idea.

However, there was only so much he could do. At that time, apart from ensuring that the young prince was not harmed, there was nothing else he could do.

I came here specifically to thank General Shen.

Xu Yong meant that he needed to return to Beijing to report back, as his family was there, and if he stayed behind, his family would definitely be in danger.

Once we get back and assess the situation, if we can sell our family property, we'll bring the whole family to the Northern Border to continue serving the young prince.